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Kenneth A. Himmel

President and CEO Related Urban

Kenneth A. Himmel is President and Chief Executive Officer of Related Urban, the nation's leading developer of large-scale mixed-use properties.

Mr. Himmel’s career reveals his distinct ability to drive exponential value in world-class developments by employing celebrated strategic retail partnerships, groundbreaking hospitality and cutting-edge placemaking.

Under his leadership, Related Urban has captured the world's attention with iconic, award-winning destinations that include Rosemary Square in West Palm Beach; Columbus Circle and Hudson Yards in New York; The Grand LA and the Grand Avenue redevelopment project in downtown Los Angeles; Related Santa Clara in Santa Clara; and The Galleria and in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The developments have had a profound impact on their surrounding environments – neighborhoods that have become vibrant, contemporary urban centers.

  • In West Palm Beach, Rosemary Square has been a catalyst for the transformation of downtown into a thriving urban environment, and a model for an outdoor mixed-use neighborhood since its development in 2000. Today Mr. Himmel leads a $2.0 billion second stage development that includes new restaurants, new mixed-use luxury residential towers, and more than 3.0 million square feet of Class A office spaces. 
  • In New York City, Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development in United States history, and the largest development in New York since Rockefeller Center. The site includes more than 18-million square feet of commercial and residential space, state-of-the-art office towers, more than 100 shops that include global brands, flagship stores and local favorites; and a collection of restaurants that include unique dining experiences from iconic restaurateurs José Andrés and Milos/Costas Spiliadis.  Along with the first joint private club venture with Wine Spectator Magazine and Marvin Shanken
  • Also in New York, Columbus Circle opened in 2004 as a 2.8-million square foot mixed-use project that includes residences, offices, the Mandarin Oriental New York, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Shops at Columbus Circle, and The Restaurant & Bar Collection that features world class dining by chefs Thomas Keller, Masa Takayama, Michael Lomonaco and David Chang.
  • In Southern California, the $1 billion Frank Gehry-designed The Grand LA  is a visionary mixed use development that occupies an entire city block — a city within the city — and features a multi-level ‘open room’ with shops and restaurants between two residential towers and a 300 room Conrad, a world-class hotel with food and beverage operated by José Andrés. The sun-filled destination is directly across the street from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, making The Grand LA the only place in the world where two of Frank Gehry’s architectural designs face one another. The Grand LA is a new focal point on the Grand Avenue Arts Corridor, and is poised to revitalize downtown LA's cultural and civic center.  Restaurant anchors include Milos/Costas Spiliadis and Bazaar Meat by José Andrés.
  • In Northern California, Related Santa Clara is a 240-acre development designed as the most dynamic mixed use destination in Silicon Valley. The project includes more than 800,000 square feet of fully-integrated retail, dining and entertainment; 5.7 million square feet of customizable office space; 6000 new residential units, including affordable housing and serviced corporate apartments; two landmark hotels including the Bay Area’s first 480 key Conrad Business/Convention Hotel and 220 key Equinox hotel; along with 25-acres of open space; and a 35-acre neighboring park. At the gateway to Silicon Valley, Related Santa Clara will define the corporate and cultural landscape for future Bay Area generations.

As Co-Managing Partner of Gulf Related, Mr. Himmel oversaw the pursuit of one of the largest luxury mixed-use development in Abu Dhabi.

  • The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, a 355,000-square foot shopping and dining destination which opened in 2013. It is the region's ultimate fashion, luxury retail, dining and entertainment destination. It has the highest concentration of luxury retailers – set against a modern, vibrant and striking waterfront promenade.

Mr. Himmel is an expert in creating thriving developments that bring forth the energy and vitality of an urban destination that resonates with existing local lifestyle and culture.

His past developments reflect his success: Water Tower Place and 730 North Michigan in Chicago; Copley Place in Boston; Reston Town Center in Reston, Virginia and Pacific Place in Seattle. Mr. Himmel is also responsible for the formation of a restaurant collection in Boston that includes the legendary Grill 23 & Bar (celebrating its 38th Anniversary), The Harvest Restaurant, The Banks Fish House and Bistro du Midi.  Along with the Managing Partner for The Restaurant Collection (Per Se/Porter House New York and Ascent) at Columbus Circle and Hudson Yards (Hudson Yards Grill and WSNY, first ever private dining club.)

Mr. Himmel received a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction from Cornell University - School of Hotel Administration (where he fosters ongoing mentorship); and a Bachelor of Science degree from The College of William and Mary.